S. Epatha Merkerson

Born on Nov. 28, 1952 in Saginaw, MI, Merkerson was initially raised by her father, a factory worker, and her mother, Ann, a postal worker until her parents split when she was around five years old. Growing up in Detroit, she graduated Thomas M. Cooley High School before earning a bachelor of fine arts in theater from Wayne State University. Merkerson moved to New York City and gradually found a niche in off-Broadway productions and regional theater. A breakthrough came her way via the small screen with her charmingly relaxed and ordinary Reba the Mail Lady on the critically acclaimed children's show, "Pee-wee's Playhouse" (CBS, 1986-1990). Theater roles both musical and dramatic began to pi... Continue Bio >>